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Author
Topic: Kitty Bite (Read 15733 times)

I resuced a kitty out of my tree and have taken it in until I can find the owner or someone to take him. Anyways...we were playing today and he bit me on the inside of my upper arm, 2 punctures. One of the punctures has now become red and enlarged. Am I at risk for Crypto or anything else with this bite? Is this something I need to see a doctor for? I've had a tetanus about 9 months ago. FYI, he is a kitten and most likely has had no shots.

if theres already redness and the bite was full skin thickness, you may want to see your doc & get some antibiotics on board....that old zpak is a handy one There can be certain types of bacteria associated with cat bites that are potentially of concern:

typically, if theres infection, redness, swelling and heat at the puncture wound site usually ensue. there can also be red "streaking" marks that radiate away from the puncture wound site, which is typical of pasteurella.

no worries will. seriously though, a large percentage of cats bites result in infection (in completely immune competent patients). cuz you are poz and the bite is so close to your axillary lymph node, I would get it checked out or at least get some antibiotics called in. better safe than sorry...

Cat Scratch Disease is what inflamed one of my lymph nodes to the point of needing an excisional biopsy (i.e. surgery down to the bone in my groin) so I know it is a very real risk. Fortunately, it runs its course and resolves.

At least you don't have to worry about getting the pathology results that I did. "We think you might have Cat Scratch Disease, or maybe Tuberculosis, and oh, by the way, you're HIV-Positive."

Cat Scratch Disease is what inflamed one of my lymph nodes to the point of needing an excisional biopsy (i.e. surgery down to the bone in my groin) so I know it is a very real risk. Fortunately, it runs its course and resolves.

Ok, im going to the doctor on that. I realize it's probably alright, but I'm anal about things like this and better to be safe then sorry.

-Will

Edited to add: in the 6 hours since the bite the red area is now the size of a dime, whereas before it was pinpoint.

Will - you don't by any chance live near a Pet Semetary --- I mean I'm just saying..... If a little boy drops out of the tree talking about I wanna play - run the other direction quickly and leave the kitty to fend for himself.

Aww, I love rescuing kitties too. Sorry to hear you got bitten though. Yeah, definitely have the doctor check it out. Cats' mouths can be ridiculously germy. I'm talking biohazard level sh*t. Given the rate it is swelling up at, a professional opinion is probably a good plan. In the mean time, wash it well and keep it clean, and as for the wound... Actually, as for the kitty, consider taking the little one to the vet for shots, a check up and such. And of course, post a pic for us to ooh and ahh over.

Aww, I love rescuing kitties too. Sorry to hear you got bitten though. Yeah, definitely have the doctor check it out. Cats' mouths can be ridiculously germy. I'm talking biohazard level sh*t. Given the rate it is swelling up at, a professional opinion is probably a good plan. In the mean time, wash it well and keep it clean, and as for the wound... Actually, as for the kitty, consider taking the little one to the vet for shots, a check up and such. And of course, post a pic for us to ooh and ahh over.

Your Boston Buddy

I guess it was dogs I read had cleaner mouths than humans. I still find that hard to believe. I've always wondered about what "experts" tell us about dogs and cats. Well, the first say we should live an almost normal lifespan now. Then, some of them say to get rid of your cats and dogs or be careful around them. My doc in the hospital told me to get rid of my dogs. However, he was the one who had me on mono Sustiva therapy.

I resuced a kitty out of my tree and have taken it in until I can find the owner or someone to take him. Anyways...we were playing today and he bit me on the inside of my upper arm, 2 punctures. One of the punctures has now become red and enlarged. Am I at risk for Crypto or anything else with this bite? Is this something I need to see a doctor for? I've had a tetanus about 9 months ago. FYI, he is a kitten and most likely has had no shots.

-Will

Will sorry to hear you haven't learned that pussy can be dangerous. ( I couldn't resist... and yes, I'm up at 6am because my pussy wanted out of the bedroom....) lol.

Anyhow, after you see your doc, your kitty needs to see the vet. If you can't afford the vet, then look into programs that help people with HIV care for their pets. The thing that concerns me is that you said the cat doesn't have any shots. It's important to watch the cat's behavior to make sure there isn't something more serious going on like Rabies. God forbid.... but the cat did come from a tree and was presumably on it's own. Rabies can be cured for people it's just a series of unpleasant shots. DO NOT mention RABIES to your VET! The test for rabies for animals is FATAL. They do an autopsy on the brain to check for Rabies.

On the lesser side there are a whole host of things you can protect your pussy from with just a couple of inexpensive shots. And if you decide to keep her (or give her away) she will need to be fixed. Nothing worse then a broken pussy. You'll have every male cat within 5 miles there the first time she goes into heat. Your pussy will make the most piggy bottom seem amateur... don't ask how I know this. It's much more expensive to fix your pussy once this starts... you can only fix her when she isn't actively broken. (in heat).

to the real ladies.... no offense intended... it's just fun to lay down double entendres.

Logged

Don't obsess over the wrong things. Life isn't about your numbers, it isn't about this forum, it isn't about someone's opinion. It's about getting out there and enjoying it. I am a person with HIV - not the other way around.